Sustentabilidade e Espaços Públicos Urbanos: Contribuições  Sobre Aspectos Psiocológicos e Etários da Acessibilidade

Consciously or unconsciously, physical or psychological criteria are used to make choices about mobility through public spaces. In the search for the user's comfort, the dimensions of sustainability require a comprehensive approach, considering the environment and behaviour. Urban parks and squares usually are age-divided, accentuating differences and conflicts, especially between the young and the elderly. Intergenerational relations have the potential to reduce prejudices and promote mutual gains among those involved. This study intends to contribute to advancing the proposition of more sustainable spaces, generating community development and enhancing proposals that promote these relations. It seeks to detect possible conflicts and influences on the appropriation of an environment with uses divided by age, determining the role of age and psychological factors in the elderly's choices and in the way mobility is experienced. The hypothesis to be verified is that predetermined activities can not only intensify the use but also inhibit certain people by creating psychological barriers. This case study in a park in Pelotas/RS (Brazil) uses quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Behavioural mapping and questionnaires considered users of all ages, being subsequently filtered by age group. Perceptions about mobility and environment were classified as inferential, operational or responsive; centred in person, environment or behaviour. The partial results indicate that socialisation is the main goal for the young and elderly in this environment. It is characterized a certain level of age conflict between young and elderly, resulting in indirect interference of internal flows, changing the spatial mobility and stimulating age segregation. The elderly demonstrate lower mobility between areas of specific activities, and psychological aspects interfere more in their responses. Since they are the only group to mention age-related issues and behaviours as barriers for displacement, it may be accepted that the delimitation of activities may be influencing psychological factors responsible for spatial choices.